A
couple of weeks ago, I booked my first trip to the US in three years. And I've
been scared to admit it, but for the very first time, I have mixed feelings.
I
really, really want to see my family! It's been far too long!
I
can't wait to revel in the Enchanted Mitten that is Michigan, with all its
breathtakingly beautiful lakes.
 |
| Look at how beautiful! |
I
even look forward to eating all those (terrible, wonderful) things you can't
get here in Germany, like Twizzlers, Cheetos, and Ranch Dressing. (I'm so
classy.)
However
. . .
American
politics.
One
option is to just not talk about our different opinions and hope we'll all get
along. But political developments are not just conversation topics. Decisions
made are real things that impact real lives.
Removing
protections for transgender people, for example those stipulating that a doctor
must treat transgender people, will seriously affect one of my loved ones. Could even be life threatening.
Taking
away the ACA would mean a good friend, with a pre-existing condition they can
do nothing about, can no longer afford health insurance, would no longer be
able to afford the medicine that keeps them able to work.
30
million dollars for a ridiculous military parade, and racism-fueled spending to
build a wall to Mexico that experts say wouldn't help anyway will use up money
that could be spent on things that could make a real difference. Better pay for
teachers like one in my family. Better education for all children (and not only
those in private schools). De-escalation Training and Racial Sensitivity
Training instead of increased police brutality more likely to affect friends
who are people of color.
The
name calling, lying, and loss of dignity in government. The resulting loss of
respect throughout the world that I see on a daily basis as an expat.
And
of course, my home country has the loosest gun controls in the developed world,
which lead to more gun-related deaths per capita than any other country. It
makes me wonder, makes me fear, that we could be next in the statistics. In
case you're wondering, as of May 1, 2018, it's been 4685 people who have died
of gun violence in the US this year alone. People with families, friends,
colleagues. Not to mention over 8000 injured. People in the wrong place at the
wrong time. It could just as we hit one of us.
You
may think my view of things is too simplistic. It's not money for the wall vs
money for education because one's at a federal and the other at a state level. I
don't want to get into the nitty gritty details right now. The point is it shows
the priorities of our country right now. Priorities that honestly sicken me.
So
do I look forward to going back home after so long. Most definitely.
But
with a heart that's tattered and torn and praying the country will be able to
bounce back from the dangerous direction it's headed.
picture by me
